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What's behind our digital camera Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 144 models in digital cameras to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score

Note: We've recently changed the way we test cameras. Some models may have different scores than what was previously shown. Overall score is based mainly on image quality, ease of use, versatility, LCD-panel quality, and flash and video quality.

Megapixels

Megapixels is the number of pixels, in millions, on the sensor.

Weight

Weight is with battery, memory card, and strap.

Image quality

Combines several tests, including regular photos, low-light photos, and flash photos as well as color tests, among others.

Flash photos

Flash photos tests the quality of the built-in flash's light output and evenness of illumination.

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Recommended digital cameras

Recommended digital cameras are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

As the digital-camera market matures, consumers are benefiting from more and better choices in camera size and capability. Before you make your buying decision, you should consider whether you need a small, lightweight digital camera for family snapshots or one that takes more ambitious photos suitable for enlarging and framing. If you're looking for information about digital cameras, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ digital camera reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our digital camera buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and digital camera reviews to help you choose the best digital camera for your needs. Note: We've recently changed the way we test cameras. Some models may have different scores than what was previously shown.

Ratings & recommended digital cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras (27)

The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models stand out for their combination of price and performance, or other reasons noted. All models offer good or very good overall performance and image quality. Most get 200 to 350 shots per battery charge (none got fewer than 100) and have 2½ inches or so of LCD screen. For some, we note successors that we haven't yet tested.Recommended point-and-shoot camerasPoint-and-shoot camera Ratings

Superzoom cameras (18)

The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models stand out for their combination of price and performance, or other reasons noted. All models offer good or very good overall performance and image quality. Most get 200 to 350 shots per battery charge (none got fewer than 100) and have 2½ inches or so of LCD screen. For some, we note successors that we haven't yet tested.Recommended superzoom camerasSuperzoom camera Ratings

Advanced point-and-shoot cameras (24)

Most models were fine overall performers. Image-quality scores aren't comparable with those of point-and-shoots because the two types are factored differently. Based on data from our latest subscriber survey, Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon, Sony, and Nikon have been very reliable SLR brands for the past few years. The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models consider factors such as price and availability.Recommended advanced point-and-shoot camerasAdvanced point-and-shoot camera Ratings

Waterproof/rugged cameras (14)

The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models stand out for their combination of price and performance, or other reasons noted. All models offer good or very good overall performance and image quality. Most get 200 to 350 shots per battery charge (none got fewer than 100) and have 2½ inches or so of LCD screen. For some, we note successors that we haven't yet tested.Recommended waterproof/rugged camerasWaterproof/rugged camera Ratings

Mirrorless cameras (34)

Most models were fine overall performers. Image-quality scores aren't comparable with those of point-and-shoots because the two types are factored differently. Based on data from our latest subscriber survey, Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon, Sony, and Nikon have been very reliable SLR brands for the past few years. The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models consider factors such as price and availability.Recommended mirrorless camerasMirrorless camera Ratings

SLR cameras (27)

Most models were fine overall performers. Image-quality scores aren't comparable with those of point-and-shoots because the two types are factored differently. Based on data from our latest subscriber survey, Fujifilm, Olympus, Canon, Sony, and Nikon have been very reliable SLR brands for the past few years. The Ratings list models by overall performance. Recommended models consider factors such as price and availability.Recommended SLR camerasSLR camera Ratings

Digital camera buying guide

Buying a digital camera can be disorienting. There are hundreds of cameras available at many different types of retail outlets (online and in traditional stores), with prices ranging from $75 to several thousand dollars. Some cameras are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. Others are large and can weigh up to two pounds. Some are easy to use. Others look like you need an engineering degree to operate them. And almost all are advertised with abbreviations that can be cryptic and confusing for the novice. In this digital camera guide, we aim to help you overcome some of this confusion.